CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Though Lesley University senior Kris Bennett (Inglewood, Calif.) played his last game in a Lynx uniform, his playing days might not be over. The six-foot eight-inch forward has been drawing professional interest both internationally and with the NBA Developmental League.

"Kris is one of the most talented and gifted players to ever attend Lesley and I am extremely proud and excited for him," said Lesley head coach Donald Morris. "It is always great to see a student-athlete of ours live a dream like Kris is. I know that his basketball career will continue for many years."

Bennett will have private workouts with Kip Jones, son of NBA Hall of Famer and former Celtics player and head coach K.C. Jones, for a spot with the Maine Red Claws, the Celtics' NBADL team. The senior will also work out in his home state of California for the Bakersfield Jam, an affiliate of the Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Atlanta Hawks.

"It's been a dream come true already even though nothing has become official," said Bennett. "Ever since the first grade, I've always said 'I want to play basketball, I want to play basketball, I want to play basketball.' Just to have this opportunity in front of me is a blessing and I am very fortune to have it."

Bennett is looking to become the seventh Lesley men's basketball player to play 

Jesus Trejo '11 has played for former NBA head coach, Sam Vincent while playing in the Domincan Republic.

professionally. Joe Chapman '08 (Switzerland), Mark Stevens '08 (Argentina, Chile), Mike Lush '08 (England), Thorton Paul '11 (South Korea), Jesus Trejo '11 (Domincan Republic), and John Sanchez '12 (Mexico), who was just named to his second all-star team in as many seasons in the Licmuba League in Mexico, have all enjoyed careers playing around the world.

John Sanchez '12 is a two-time all-star in the Licomuba League in Mexico.

Trejo and Sanchez, teammates of Bennett in the 2010-2011 season,
have served as mentors for the rising star as the process has started to unfold.

"The best advice they have given me is just to be patient," said Bennett of their  conversations, "they are confident that something will happen for me. They have both been very positive about the process and it's nice to be able to rely on them."

"It has been great see our former players like Jesus Trejo and John Sanchez find success professionally," said Morris. "Jesus has gotten the opportunity to play for NBA coaches like Sam Vincent in Santo Domingo while John has become a two time all-star in Latin America. As a coaching staff we have given kids the ability to live out dreams in the classroom and the basketball world and it is something we are very proud of."

Kris has also drawn interest from teams in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Montreal, and the Dominican Republic as well teams in the states such as the Milwaukee Rim Rattlers, Jackson Showboats, Providence Anchors, and San Diego Surf. His work outs for the various teams will start at the end of this month and stretch throughout the summer as he will travel the country for several team workouts and invite-only camps.